- 


Sanftuary  Waters ; or , the  Spread  of  the 
GofpcL 


A 

SERMON, 


PREACHED  BEFORE 

The  MafTachufetts  Baptift  Mifiionary 
Society, 

AT  TUE1R 


ANNUAL  MEETING, 

Boston,  May  28,  1806. 


BY  WILLIAM  COLLIER,  A.  M. 

rASTOR  OF  THE  BAPTIST  CHURCH  IN  CHARLESTOWN,  (MASS.) 


The  profits  arifing  from  the  fale  of  this  Difcourfe  •will  he  applied 
to  the  ufe  of  the  Society. 


. Bofton : 

PRINTED  AND  SOLD  BY  MANNING  AND  LORINO. 


June,  1806. 


AT  a Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  The  Majfachufetts 
Baptijl  Miffionary  Society,  holden  in  Bofton,  May  29,  1806, 
Voted — That  the  thanks  of  this  Society  be  given  to  the 
Rev.  WILLIAM  Collier,  for  his  Sermon  delivered  be- 
fore them  the  laft  evening,  and  that  he  be  requefted  to 
give  a copy  for  publication. 

A true  Copy  from  the  Records  : 

THOMAS  BALDWIN,  Sec'ry. 


MifTionary  Sermon. 


EZEKIEL  xlvii.  3,  4,  5. 

AND  WHEN  TIIE  MAN  THAT  HAD  THE  LINE  IN  HIS  HAND 
WENT  FORTH  EASTWARD,  HE  MEASURED  A THOUSAND 
CUBITS,  AND  HE  BROUGHT  ME  THROUGH  THE  WATERS} 
THE  WATERS  WERE  TO  THE  ANKLES.  AGAIN  HE  MEAS- 
URED A THOUSAND,  AND  BROUGHT  ME  THROUGH  THE 
WATERS  } THE  WATERS  WERE  TO  THE  KNEES.  AGAIN 
HE  MEASURED  A THOUSAND,  AND  BROUGHT  ME  THROUGH} 
THE  WATERS  WERE  TO  THE  LOINS.  AFTERWARD  HE 
MEASURED  A THOUSAND  } AND  IT  WAS  A RIVER  THAT  I 
COULD  NOT  PASS  OVER  : FOR  THE  WATERS  WERE  RISEN, 
WATERS  TO  SWIM  IN,  A RIVER  THAT  COULD  NOT  BE 
PASSED  OVER. 

EZEKIEL  began  to  prophefy  about  the 
middle  of  the  Babylonifh  captivity.  His  predic- 
tions were  generally  delivered  in  the  fymbolical 
language,  and  then  explained  in  the  alphabetical 
or  plain  language.  This  method  was  ufually 
adopted  by  the  prophets,  and  is  one  caufe  of  the 
obfcurity  of  prophecy.  It  cannot  be  fuppofed  we 
fhould  underhand  the  prophecies,  while  we  are  ig- 
norant of  the  language  in  which  they  are  written. 

An  acquaintance  with  the  manners  and  cuftoms 
of  the  eaft,*and  with  oriental  literature  in  general, 
is  necefiary  to  a correct  knowledge  of  the  fym- 


4 


bolical  language  of  fcripture : and  we  do  not 
think  it  extravagant  to  fay,  that  this  would  enable 
us  to  underhand  with  equal  facility  the  predic- 
tions of  the  prophets,  as  a knowledge  of  any  for- 
eign language  enables  us  to  tranflate  it  into  our 
mother  tongue. 

At  firft  view,  efpecially  when  we  confider  the 
perfpicuity  of  the  gofpel,  we  do  not  always  fee 
the  wifdom  of  God  in  this  obfcurity ; it  is  necef- 
fary,  however,  to  the  government  of  free  moral 
agents,  and  the  fulfilment  of  prophecy.  In  proph- 
ecy there  are  certain  characters  delineated,  and 
many  of  the  circumftances  attending  its  accom- 
plifhment  marked  with  minute  exactitude  and 
precifion.  A previous  knowledge  of  thele  cir- 
cumftances, in  their  defigned  application,  would 
often  prevent  the  fulfilment  of  the  prediction. 
Had  the  Jews  underftood  the  prophecies  refpeCt- 
ing  the  humiliation  of  Chrift,  would  they  have 
cried,  “ Away  with  him,  away  with  him  ?**  Had 
they  forefeen  the  divine  vengeance,  would  they 
have  been  the  voluntary  actors  in  fuch  a tremen- 
dous fcene  ? Would  they  have  imbrued  their 
hands  in  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ? When 
thefe  very  murderers  wefe  convinced  from  the 
fcriptures  whom  they  had  crucified,  they  cried 
out,  under  the  molt  poignant  conviction  of  the 
enormity  of  their  guilt,  “ Men  and  brethren, 
“ what  fhall  we  do  ?”  Even  an  apoftle  feems  to 
become  their  apologifl ; “ Brethren,  I wot  that 
“ through  ignorance  ye  did  it,  as  did  alfo  your 
“ rulers.” 

There  are  other  prophecies  in  which  a degree 
of  obfcurity  is  neceflary  to  their  accomplifhment. 
In  the  17th  chapter  of  the  Apocalypfe,  we  have  a 


5 


remarkable  prediction  refpecting  the  Roman  hie- 
rarchy, announced  in  the  fymbolical  language  of 
the  ancients.  If  the  Roman  pontiff  had  under- 
ftood  this  prophecy,  would  he  have  fulfilled  a pre- 
diction in  which  that  communion  is  depicted  in 
fuch  fhameful  and  degrading  characters  ? Would 
he  have  inferibed  myjtcry  upon  his  tiara  ? the  very 
word  written  upon  the  forehead  of  the  whore  of 
Babylon  ! 

The  obfeurity  of  prophecy,  then,  fo  far  from 
being  any  ground  of  cenfure  on  the  divine  gov- 
ernment, is  for  the  intereit  of  the  church.  By 
this  mean  her  defigns  are  concealed  from  her  ene- 
mies, and  the  Chriftian  warfare  carried  on  with 
certainty  of  iuccefs. 

Little  were  our  enemies  aware,  when  they  kill- 
ed the  Prince  of  Life,  that  his  death  was  the  fal- 
vation  of  Tinners  ; that  he  died  according  to  “ the 
“ determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of 
“ God that  his  doctrine  was  to  be  the  weapon  that 
fhould  demolifli  the  ftrong  holds  of  Satan  in  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  men,  and  that  principal- 
ities and  powers  were  to  be  fpoiled  by  the  crofs 
of  Chrift. 

It  becomes  us,  therefore,  to  admire  and  adore 
the  wifdom  of  God,  in  bringing  good  out  of  evil ; 
to  fearch  the  prophecies  for  truth  as  for  hid 
treafure,  and  to  look  to  the  man  in  prayer,  who 
had  the  line  in  his  hand,  and  explained  to  our 
prophet  the  vifion,  and  whofe  prerogative  it  is  to 
guide  his  difciples  by  his  Spirit  into  all  truth,  that 
he  would  open  our  underftandings  that  we  might 
underhand  the  feriptures. 

The  prediction  of  which  the  text  is  a part 
begins  at  the  40th  chapter  of  this  book.  The 


/ 


6 

fcene  of  the  vifion  was  a very  high  mountain  in 
the  land  of  Ifrael.  There  was  a temple  prefented 
to  the  view  of  our  prophet,  the  glory  of  which 
far  tranfcended  that  of  Solomon’s.  Its  different 
apartments  and  various  fervices  are  defcribed. 
This  temple  is  the  church.  While  Ezekiel  was 
taking  a particular  view  of  the  building,  he  faw 
the  waters  gently  flow  from  the  fouth  fide  of  the 
altar,  which  gradually  increafed  into  an  impafTable 
river. 

This  river  is  a fymbolica1  exhibition  of  the  in- 
creafe  of  grace  in  the  heart  of  every  Chriftian, 
and  of  the  progrefs  of  the  gofpel  in  the  world. 
“ Living  waters  fhall  go  out  from  Jerufalem  ; and 
“ the  Lord  fhall  be  king  over  all  the  earth.  In 
tc  that  day  fhall  there  be  one  Lord,  and  his  name 
c<  one.”  Grace  in  believers  is  “ a well  of  water 
€C  fpringing  up  into  everlafting  life.” 

In  explaining  the  text,  and  applying  the  truths 
it  contains  to  the  prefent  occafion,  we  fhall  en- 
deavour to  illuftrate  fuch  obfervations  as  naturally 
rife  from  the  fubjecL 

I,  The  firft  obfervation  which  naturally  rifes 
in  our  minds  is,  that  the  fprcad  of  the  gofpel  is  in  ex- 
act conformity  to  the  infinite  and  eternal  plan  of  its 
Divine  Author. 

The  man  who  attended  Ezekiel,  and  explained 
to  him  the  myfteries  of  this  vifion,  was  the  Lord 
Jcfus  Chrift.  This  is  the  man  in  our  text,  who 
had  the  line  in  his  hand,  and  went  forth  eaftward 
and  mcafured  a thoufand  cubits , and  the  waters  were 
to  the  ankles.  Again  he  mcafured  a thoufand  cu- 
bits ; the  waters  were  to  the  knees.  Again  lie 
mcafured  a thoufand  ; the  waters  were  to  the  loins. 
Afterward  he  mcafured  a thoufand , and  the  waters 


7 


were  rifen  into  a river  that  could  not  be  palled 
over.  The  waters  flowed  exactly  according  to 
the  appointment  of  the  man  who  had  the  direc- 
tion of  them,  or  in  plain  language,  the  gofpel 
fpreads  exactly  according  to  the  eternal  plan  of 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church. 

My  brethren,  if  we  are  favoured  with  the  gol- 
pel,  while  fo  many  millions  of  the  human  race  arc 
involved  in  heathen  darknefs,  we  ought  to  afcribe 
it  to  fovereign  mercy.  It  is  becaufe  C.hrift  hath 
meafurcd  a thoufand  cubits  for  the  waters  of  the 
fandtuary  to  flow  this  way. 

It  would  not  be  a difficult  tafk  to  illuftrate  this 
fentiment  by  realbn  and  the  fitnefs  of  things  ; to 
fhew  its  harmony  with  the  attributes  of  God,  and 
that  a contrary  pofltion  in  its  necefiary  and  cer- 
tain confequences  was  atheifm,  a denial  of  the  be- 
ing and  perfedlions  of  Jehovah.  But  as  we  are 
now  addreffing  an  aflembly  of  profeffing  Chrif- 
tians,  we  fhall  appeal  to  the  Bible  for  the  illuftra- 
tion  of  our  doctrine. 

When  the  tabernacle  was  to  be  erected  in  the 
wildernefs,  the  Lord  called  Mofes  into  the  mount, 
and  gave  him  an  accurate  plan  of  the  building, 
with  directions  to  make  every  part  of  it  accord- 
ing to  divine  pattern.  The  children  of  Ifrael  were 
employed  in  preparing  the  materials  for  the  build- 
ing ; and  when  Mofes  compared  their  work  with 
the  original  plan , and  found  they  had  done  it  ac- 
cording to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord , he  blefled 
the  people. 

When  God  had  given  David,  who  was  an  emi- 
nent type  of  Chrift,  reft  from  all  his  enemies  round 
about,  he  put  it  into  his  heart  to  build  an  houffi 
for  the  ark  of  the  Lord.  The  delign  was  ap- 


8 


proved  by  the  prophet,  though  he  was  not  fuffered 
to  carry  it  into  execution,  becaufe  he  had  been  a 
man  of  war.  David,  however,  made  preparations 
for  the  temple,  which  were  very  ufeful  to  Solo- 
mon, who  fitted  all  the  materials  fo  exactly  ac- 
cording to  the  plan  which  was  given  from  heaven, 
that  when  the  building  was  eredted,  it  went  up 
without  the  noife  of  axe  or  hammer. 

As  the  tabernacle  and  temple  were  built  accord- 
ing to  divine  pattern , fo  is  the  church.  Chrift  is 
“ faithful  in  his  houfe,  whofe  houfe  are  we,  if  we 
tc  hold  fait  the  confidence  and  the  rejoicing  of  the 
“ hope  firm  unto  the  end.” 

The  perfonal  miniftry  of  Chrift:  and  his  apoftles 
are  a farther  illuftration  of  the  fentiment  now  un- 
der confideration. 

The  Mafter  himfelf  has  told  us  on  one  occafion, 
that  he  was  not  fent  but  to  the  loft  fhcep  of  the 
houfe  of  Ifrael. 

Although  it  was  comparatively  a light  thing 
for  God  to  fend  his  Son  into  the  world  to  fave 
the  Jews,  and  he  was  fet  from  eternity  a light  to 
the  .Gentiles,  and  defigned  for  the  falvation  of 
the  Lord  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  the  waters  of 
the  fanctuary  fcarcely  flowed  beyond  the  bounds 
of  Judea,  till  the  man  in  our  text,  who  had  the 
line  in  his  hand,  meafured  a thoufand  cubits  eaft- 
ward,  the  direction  in  which  moft  of  the  Gentile 
nations  lay  from  Jerufalem. 

When  Chrift  fent  out  the  feventy  difciples,  he 
gave  them  but  a limited  commiflion  ; they  were 
direfted  not  to  go  into  the  ways  of  the  Gentiles 
or  cities  of  the  Samaritans  : after  his  refurre&ion 
their  commiflion  was  enlarged.  It  is  true  they 


9 


were  to  begin  to  publilli  falvation  at  Jerufalem, 
but  they  were  not  to  end  there ; the  commiflion 
is  unlimited  : “ Go  ye  therefore  into  all  the  world, 
“ and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  creature  : he  that 
“ bclieveth  and  is  baptized  (hall  be  faved  ; but 
u he  that  believeth  not  ilia.ll  be  damned.’* 

The  miniftry  of  the  apoftles  will  exemplify  the 
fame  truth  : all  their  travels  were  according  to 
the  appointment  of  Chrift.  The  angel  of  the  Lord 
directed  Philip  toward  the  fouth,  unto  the  way 
that  goetli  down  from  Jerufalem  to  Gaza,  which 
is  defert.  And  the  Spirit  faid  unto  him.  Go  near, 
and  join  thyfelf  to  the  chariot  of  the  Ethiopian 
eunuch. 

When  Paul  and  his  companions  “ had  gone 
“ throughout  Phrygia  and  the  region  of  Galatia, 
“ they  were  forbidden  of  the  Holy  Ghcft  to  preach 
“ the  word  in  Alia.  After  they  were  coma  to 
“ Myfia,  they  allayed  to  go  into  Bithynia : but 
tc  the  Spirit  fiffered  them  not.  And  they,  palling 
w by  Mylia,  came  down  to  Troas.  And  a vilion 
tl  appeared  to  Paul  in  the  night  j There  flood  a 
“ man  of  Macedonia,  and  prayed  him,  faying. 

Come  over  into  Macedonia,  and  help  us.  And 
u after  lie  had  l'een  the  vilion,  immediately  we 
“ endeavoured  to  go  into  Macedonia,  alfuredly 
*c  gathering  that  the  Lord  had  called  us  for  to 
fC  preacli  the  gofpel  unto  them.”  This  paflage  is 
full  to  our  purpole.  Here  we  fee,  that  the  heralds 
of  falvation,  notwithftanding  they  had  juft  receiv- 
ed a commiflion  to  go  forth  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  creature,  were 
forbidden  of  the  Holy  Ghojl  to  preach  the  word  in 
Afia  : and  when  they  were  difpofed  to  go  to  one 


B 


10 


people,  they  were  miraculoufly  directed  to  an- 
other. Jefus  Chrift  directed  the  courfe  of  his 
apoftles  ; and  does  by  his  providence,  word,  and 
Spirit,  {till  dire<ft  the  travels  of  all  his  miuifters. 

II.  The  gofpel  is  to  go  forth  from  the  church. 

The  waters  of  the  fanctuary  proceed  from  the 

temple  at  Jerufalem.  “ Out  of  Zion  fhall  go 
“ forth  a law,  (i.  e.  the  gofpel,)  and  the  word  of 
“ the  Lord  from  Jerufalem.” 

In  conformity  to  this  fentiment,  focieties  are 
formed,  and  miflionaries  fent  forth,  from  the 
midft  of  our  churches,  <c  havmg  the  everlafting 
“ gofpel  to  preach  unto  them  that  dwell  on  the 
“ earth,  and  to  every  nation,  and  kindred,  and 
“ tongue,  and  people,  faying  with  a loud  voice, 
“ Fear  God,  and  give  glory  to  him  ; for  the  hour 
“ of  his  judgment  is  come  : and  worfhip  him  that 
“ made  heaven,  and  earth,  and  the  fea,  and  the 
“ fountains  of  waters.”  “ Out  of  Zion,  the  per- 
<c  fection  of  beauty,  God  hath  fliined.” 

III.  The  gofpel,  with  all  its  bleffings,  flows  to 
us  through  Chrift. 

The  waters  of  the  fanctuary  came  from  under 
the  fouth  ftde  of  the  Altar.  Sanctuary  waters, 
or  the  gofpel,  literally  flowed  to  us  through 
Chrift,  when  “ one  of  the  foldiers  with  a fpear 
“ pierced  his  fide,  and  forthwith  came  thereout 
<c  blood  and  water  !” 

IV.  The  fpread  of  the  gofpel  is  a gradual  work. 

The  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  gofpel  difpenfation, 

like  grace  in  the  foul,  may  be  compared  to  the 
growth  of  corn,  which  the  earth  bringeth  forth 
of  herfelf ; “ firft  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  after 
“ that  the  full  com  in  the  ear.”  It  “ is  like  to 


11 


**  a grain  of  muftard-feed,  which  a man  took,  and 
“ fowed  in  his  field : which  indeed  is  the  leaft  of 
« all  feeds ; but  when  it  is  grown  it  is  the  great- 
« eft  among  herbs,  and  (in  the  eaftern  country) 
“ becometh  a tree  -f  io  that  the  birds  of  the  air 
“ come  and  lodge  in  the  branches  thereof/’  It 
*c  is  like  unto  leaven,  which  a woman  took,  and 
“ hid  in  three  meafures  of  meal,  till  \he  whole 
il  was  leavened.”  Or,  it  is  like  “ a handful  of 
“ corn  in  the  earth,  upon  the  top  of  the  moun- 
“ tains  ; the  fruh  thereof  fhall  (hake  like  Leba- 
“ non.”  Thus  the  gofpel,  like  the  river  in  our 
text,  from  fmall  beginnings,  will  gradually  fpread, 
till  “ the  parched  ground  fihall  become  a pool,  and 
“ the  thirfty  land  fprings  of  water.” 

The  whole  plan  of  redemption  is  not  made 
known  to  the  children  of  men  at  once,  but  open- 
ed to  us  by  degrees.  It  was  revealed  to  our  lirft 
parents  that  the  feed  of  the  woman  fhould  bruife 
the  ferpent’s  head.  This  is  a very  general  prom- 
ife,  and  they  had  but  vague  and  inadequate  ideas 
of  the  bleflings  which  it  contains.  Afterward  it 
was  revealed  to  Abraham  that  Meiliah  fhould 
fpring  from  his  loins  : and  then  to  Jacob,  that  he 
fhould  be  of  the  tribe  of  Judah ; and  fome  inti- 
mation given  of  the  time  of  his  advent.  After 
this  it  was  made  known  to  David  that  he  fhould 
del'cend  from  his  family.  The  exact  time  of  his 
birth  was  pointed  out  by  Daniel ; and  the  place 
where  he  fhould  be  born  by  Micah. 

Ifaiah  appears  to  have  had  clearer  and  more  ex- 
tenfive  views  of  the  gofpel  than  any  of  the  proph- 
ets of  the  Old  Teftament.  It  was  revealed  to 
him  that  Chrift  fhould  be  born  of  a virgin.  He 
pointed  out  the  voice  that  cried  in  the  wildernefs. 


12 


“ Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  ftraight 
“ in  the  defert  an  highway  for  our  God.  Every 
“ valley  fhall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and 
“ hill  fhall  be  made  low:  and  the  crooked  fhall 
“ be  made  ftraight,  and  the  rough  places  plain : 
“ and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  fhall  be  revealed,  and 
“ all  flefh  fhall  fee  it  together  : for  the  mouth  of 
“ the  Lord  hath  fpoken  it.” 

Ifaiah  clearly  defcribed  the  perfon,  offices,  and 
work  of  Meffiah ; pointed  out  his  fufferings  and 
death,  and  the  glory  that  fhould  follow.  He  faw 
the  waters  flow  out  of  the  fide  of  the  Altar  : 
he  beheld  them  rife  to  the  ankles,  to  the  knees, 
to  the  loins,  and  into  a great  river  that  could  not 
be  palled  over  ! In  profpect  of  happy  gofpel  days, 
he  exclaimed,  with  an  enthuftafm  not  unworthy 
his  fubject,  “ O Zion,  that  bringeft  good  tidings, 
“ get  thee  up  into  the  high  mountain  ! O Jerufa- 
“ lem,  that  bringeft  good  tidings,  lift  up  thy  voice 
“ with  ftrength  ; lift  it  up,  be  not  afraid  : fay 
“ unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  Behold  your  God!  How 
“ beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of 
“ him  that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publifhcth 
“ peace  ; that  bringeth  go6d  tidings  of  good,  that 
“ publiflieth  falvation  ; that  faith  unto  Zion,  Thy 
“ God  reigneth.  Thy  watchmen  fhall  lift  up  the 
“ voice,  with  the  voice  together  fhall  they  ling ; 
“ for  they  fhall  fee  eye  to  eye  when  the  Lord  fhall 
“ bring  again  Zion.  Break  forth  into  joy,  ling 
“ together,  ye  wafte  places  of  Jerufalem  ; for  the 
“ Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  he  hath  re- 
“ deemed  Jerufalem.  The  Lord  hath  made  bare 
“ his  holy  arm  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations,  and 
“ all  the  ends  of  the  earth  fhall  fee  the  filvation 
“ of  our  God.” 


13 


All  that  is  contained  in  thefe  animated  predic- 
tions will  be  realized  in  the  latter  day  glory  of 
the  gofpel. 

'l'he  hopes  and  expectations  of  the  church  were 
fixed  on  the  coming  ot  Chrift.  For  this  they  car- 
neftly  prayed,  and  patiently  waited.  They  look- 
ed forward  to  this  period  with  glowing  anima- 
tion. “ I have  waited  for  thy  l'alvation,  O 
“ Lord.” 

All  that  was  done  before  the  coming  of  Chrift, 
was  but  preparatory  to  the  work  of  redemption. 
The  great  events  in  providence  had  an  ultimate 
reference  to  his  advent,  and  the  eftablilhment  ot 
his  kingdom.  The  rife  and  fall  of  the  four  great 
monarchies  of  the  world,  was  to  make  way  for 
the  ftone  cut  out  without  hands  to  become  a great 
mountain,  and  fall  the  whole  earth.  The  law 
was  a difpenfation  of  types  and  fhadows,  prophe- 
cies and  promifes,  involved  in  the  darknefs  of 
Indian,  Perfian,  and  Egyptian  hieroglyphics:  but 
the  gofpel  is  a difpenfation  of  light  ; perfpicuitV 
is  one  of  its  prominent  characteriftics.  Chrift  is 
the  light  of  the  world.  The  minifters  of  this  dif- 
penfation do  not,  like  Mofes,  put  a vail  upon  their 
faces.  “ But  we  all  with  open  face,  beholding  as 
“ in  a glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  in- 
fc  to  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as 
“ by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.”  Hence  the  prophet 
calls  upon  Zion,  “ Arife,  fhine  ; for  thy  light  is 
“ come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is  rifen  upon 
“ thee.” 

Great  progrefs  has  been  made  in  theological 
knowledge  and  real  holinefs  fince  the  coming  of 
Chrift.  His  difciples  are  better  informed,  with 


14  * 


regard  to  the  nature  of  his  kingdom,  and  the 
means  by  which  it  is  to  be  eftablilhed  in  the  world, 
than  they  were  at  the  commencement  of  the  gof- 
pel  dil'penfation.  “Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world  ; 
“ the  fait  of  the  earth.” 

The  vifible  progrefs  of  the  gofpel  fmce  the 
Chriftian  era  has  been  gradual.  The  firft  gofpel 
church  was  formed  by  our  Saviour  himfelf  at  Je- 
rufaiem.  At  his  afcenfion  their  number  was  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty.  At  fome  periods,  the 
fpread  of  the  gofpel  has  been  apparently  much 
more  rapid  than  at  others.  In  a very  fhort  time 
it  fpread  over  Judea  and  Samaria,  and  the  greater 
part  of  Italy  and  Arabia  j and  we  are  confident  it 
will  continue  to  fpread,  until  it  extends  to  the 
uttermoil  part  of  the  world.  “ Thy  way  fliall  be 
“ known  upon  earth,  and  thy  faving  health  among 
“ all  nations.” 

If  the  time  prefcribed  for  thefe  exercifes  per- 
mitted, it  would  be  proper  here  to  notice  the  dif- 
penfation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,*  on  whofe  omnipo- 

* l'he  difpenfation  of  the  Spirit  may  be  confidered,  both 
with  regard  to  his  ordinary  and  extraordinary  gifts : this 
was  fpoken  of  in  prophecy,  Joel  ii.  28,  29.  : it  was  foretold 
by  John  the  Baptift,  “ He  fliall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
**  Ghoft,  and  with  fire.” 

Chrift  directed  his  difciples  to  tarry  at  Jerufalem  until  they 
were  endued  with  power  from  on  high.  “ And  when  the 
“ day  of  pentecoft  was  fully  come,  they  were  all  with  one 
“ accord  in  one  place.  And  fuddenly  there  came  a found 
tl  from  heaven,  as  of  a rufhing  mighty  wind,  and  it  filled  all 
“ the  houfe  where  they  were  fitting.  And  there  appeared 
“ unto  them  cloven  tongues,  like  as  of  fire,  and  it  fat  upon 
“ each  of  them  : and  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy 
**  Ghoft,  and  began  to  fpeak  with  other  tongues,  as  thC  Spirit 
“ gave  them  utterance.” 


15 


tent  energy  the  fuccefs  of  the  gofpel  depends ; 
but  we  can  only  fay,  the  extraordinary  effufion  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  at  the  feaft  of  pentecoft,  opened  a 
new  and  moll  aftonifhing  feene,  and  promiled  the 
univerfal  triumph  of  Chriftianity.  About  three 

The  jirjl  thing  worthy  of  obferv;itiou,  in  this  wonderful 
event,  is  the  time  when  it  took  place  ; “ when  the  day  ot 
“pentecoft  was  fully  come:”  at  this  time  Jerufalem  was 
thronged  with  people.  A vaft  number  of  rtrangers  who 
came  to  the  feaft,  on  their  return  home  would  relate  what 
they  had  feen  and  heard ; and  thus  prepare  tire  way  for  the 
iprtad  of  the  gofpel  among  the  Gentiles. 

As  Chrift  was  crucified  at  one  of  the  great  Jewilh  fefti- 
vals,  fo  was  he  glorified  at  another.  Now  he  was  again  juf- 
tified  by  the  Spirit. 

Secondly.  The  Holy  Spirit  defcended  when  the  difciples 
u were  all  with  one  accord  in  one  place.”  Where  union, 
harmony,  affection,  and  fervency  in  prayer  and  other  devo- 
tional exercifes  prevail  in  our  affemblies,  there  Jefus  will 
defeend  in  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  and  take  up  his  abode. 

Thirdly.  His  defeent  was  fudden.  God  is  a fovereign  fri 
the  gift  of  the  Spirit.  The  finner  is  arrefted  fuddenly  : the 
church  is  comforted  unexpectedly. 

Fourthly.  “ There  came  a found  from  heaven,  as  of  a 
« rufliing  mighty  wind.”  The  gofpel,  accompanied  with 
the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  will  bear  down  with  the 
force  of  a rufhing  mighty  wind  all  oppofition  to  its  progrefs. 

Fifthly.  “ There  appeared  unto  them  cloven  (or  divided) 
“ tongues,  like  as  of  fire.”  This  denotes  the  different  gifts 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  particularly  the  variety  of  languages  tlie 
difciples  could  fpeak  with  propriety  and  facility,  although 
they  had  never  learned  them.  The  confufion  of  tongues  at 
Babel,  deprived  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  but  the  Jews  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  true  God.  The  gift  of  tongues  at 
Jerufalem  was  the  mean  of  communicating  the  knowledge  of 
the  true  God,  even  Jefus  Chrift,  to  the  Gentiles. 

The  appearance  was  'like  as  of  fire.  The  Holy  Spirit,  in  a 
gofpel  miniftry,  quickens  dead  tinners,  purifies  the  conference, 
illuminates  the  underftanding,  and  warms  the  heart. 


% 


16 


thoufand  were  added  to  the  church  in  one  dav.* 
In,  a few  days  their  number  was  increafed  to  live 
thoufand  ; and  additions  were  daily  made  of  luch 
as  fhould  be  faved.  This  is  the  coming  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  with  power. 

The  ordinary  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are 
{fill  neceffary  to  the  fuccefs  of  the  goipel.  “ When 
“ he  is  come,  he  will  reprove  the  world  of  fin, 
“ and  of  righteoufnefs,  and  of  judgment.”'  Paul 
may  plant,  and  Apollos  water,  but  it  is  God  who 
givetli  the  increafe. 

In  tracing  the  progrcfs  of  the  gofpel,  how  re- 
markable it  is,  that  the  very  calamities  which  befel 
the  church  contributed  to  her  enlargement. 

When  the  dilciples,  except  the  apoftles,  were 
fcattered  abroad  on  the  account  of  a violent  per- 
fection, they  “ went  every  where  preaching  the 

word.  Philip  went  down  to  the  city  of  Sama- 
“ ria,  and  preached  Chrift  unto  them.  And  the 
“ people  with  one  accord  gave  heed  unto  thofe 
“ things  which  Philip  fpake,  hearing  and  feeing 
“ the  miracles  which  he  did.  And  there  was 
“ great  joy  in  that  city.” 

* It  is  generally  fuppofed  thefe  were  all  concerted  under 
one  fernion,  preached  by  Peter  ; but  we  tee  nothing  in  the 
hiftory  which  neeeilarily  confines  die  whole  fuccefs  of  that 
day  to  this  zealous  apollle ; his  difeourfe  no  doubt  was  more 
copious  than  the  difeourfes  of  the  reft  of  the  difciples,  and 
would  be  of  more  general  ufe  to  the  church  in  future  ages, 
and  therefore  is  recorded  in  the  holy  icriptures  ; but  it  Ihould 
be  remembered,  they  were  all  tilled  with  the  Holy  GliolU 
and  fpake  with  other  tongues. 

It  has  been  fuggefted  by  feme,  who  are  eminently  diftin- 
guiflied  in  biblical  criticitm,  whether  the  addition  of  three 
thoufand  does  not  feem  to  be  mentioned  by  the  facrcd  hifto- 
rian  rather  as  the  aggregate  fuccefs  of  all  the  difciples  qb 
that  day  than  of  any  one  individual. 


17 


The  Samaritans  were  a kind  of  mongrel  Jews. 
The  fpread  of  the  gofpel  among  them  was  a dif- 
tinct  thing  from  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles.  It 
was  necellary  that  the  word  of  God  fhould  firft 
be  preached  to  the  Jews  ; “ but  (fays  the  apoflle) 
ec  feeing  ye  put  it  from  you,  and  judge  yourfelves 
“ unworthy  of  everlalline:  life,  lo,  we  turn  to  the 
“ Gentiles.” 

The  converhon  of  Saul,  of  the  city  of  Tarfus, 
was  an  important  acquifition  to  the  caufc  of  truth. 
This  zealous  and  faithful  preacher  of  righteouf- 
nel's,  in  union  with  leveral  of  his  brethren,  trav- 
elled over  the  greater  part  of  the  then  known 
world,  and  inllrumentally  planted  churches  among 
almoft  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

The  calling  of  the  Gentiles  was  frequently  a 
fubject  of  prophecy.  “ I have  fet  thee  for  a light 
“ to  the  Gentiles.” 

But  in  tracing  the  progrefs  of  the  gofpel,  a very 
formidable  enemy  arrefls  our  attention  ; an  ene- 
my which  filled  an  infpired  apoflle  with  amaze- 
ment : a community  of  profeffmg  Chriflians  drunk 
with  the  blood  of  the  faints ! This  enemy  is  the 
little  horn  fpoken  of  by  Daniel ; alfo  called  the 
man  of  fin,  myflery  of  iniquity,  antichrift,  Baby- 
lon, a woman  fitting  upon  a fcarlet  coloured  beaft  ; 
this  is  the  apocalyptical  beaft  riling  out  of  the 
fea,  with  feven  heads  and  ten  horns. 

During  this  awful  apoftafy,  the  witneffes  of 
Jefus  prophefied  forty  and  two  months  clothed  in 
fackcloth.  Thefe  witneffes  were  killed,  that  is, 
fdenced,  by  the  church  of  Rome,  though  not 
buried.  “ Their  dead  bodies  lay  in  the  ftreet  of 
“ the  great  city,  which  fpiritually  is  called  Sodom 
“ and  Egypt,  where  alfo  our  Lord  was  crucified  ” 

c 


18 


afrefh  in  his  members,  “ three  days  and  an  half.”* 
This  was  the  loweft  time  the  church  ever  faw, 
or  ever  will  fee. 

“ The  fpirit  of  life  from  God  entered  into  them 
“ (the  witneffes,)  and  they  flood  upon  their  feet ; 
“ and  great  fear  fell  upon  them  which  faw  them.” 

This  was  the  commencement  of  the  ever  mem- 
orable reformation  in  the  16th  century.  Princi- 
ples were  then  imbibed  and  propagated  by  Zuin- 
glius,  Luther,  and  other  reformers,  which  will 
never  ceafe  to  operate,  till  an  all-wife  and  gracious 
Redeemer  is  pleafed  to  uflier  in  the  millennial 
glory  of  Zion.  The  waters  of  the  fanctuary  now 
begin  to  rife ! 

Events  have  occurred,  and  no  doubt  will  occur, 
dark  and  myfterious.  The  work  has  often  been 

* The  lewdnefs  of  Sodom,  the  darknefs  of  Egypt,  and 
their  cruel  oppreftion  of  the  ancient  people  of  God,  render 
thefe  places  ftriking  emblems  of  the  church  of  Rome.  With 
Tegard  to  the  time  the  dead  bodies  of  the  witneifes  lay  in  the 
flreets  of  the  great  city,  learned  men  have  offered  different 
interpretations.  Some  underfland  it  literally,  and  refer  it 
either  to  the  period  which  elapfed  from  the  death  of  Pallicka, 
the  la  ft  Bohemian  martyr,  to  the  appearance  of  Zuinglius 
and  his  cotemporaries,  at  the  beginning  of  the  reformation, 
which  was  juft  three  years  and  an  half ; or  to  the  flaughter 
of  the  Albigenfes  and  Waldenfes  in  the  year  1686,  who  ap- 
peared again  in  1690.  But  we  have  no  objection  to  tire 
interpretation  of  thofe  who  refer  it  to  “ a certain  limited 
time.”  If  by  the  three  days  and  an  half  be  meant  the  fame 
period  of  time  as  one  thoufand  two  hundred  and  fixty  days, 
or  forty  and  two  months,  propriety  requires  a change  in  the 
fymbols.  It  would  be  lhocking  to  our  feelings,  to  fay  a dead 
body  lay  in  the  ftreet  of  the  great  city  one  thoufand  two 
hundred  and  fixty  days  or  forty  and  two  months,  when  three 
days  and  an  half  would  be  as  long  as  it  could  be  preferved 
from  putrefaction.  It  is  faid  of  Lazarus,  when  he  had  beea 
dead  four  days,  “ By  this  time  lie  ftinketh.” 


19 


retarded,  and  in  fome  inftanccs  apparently  retro- 
grade ; but  this  is  only  apparent. 

As  men,  we  are  often  filled  with  defpondency  ; 
but  as  Chriftians,  our  hearts  glow  with  an  anima- 
tion akin  to  the  ardour  of  angels,  in  profpeft  of 
the  profperity  of  Zion.  We  fully  believe  that 
reformation  will  fucceed  reformation,  till  every 
corner  of  the  globe  {hall  be  illuminated  with  the 
rays  of  the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs. 

Here  we  muft  be  permitted  to  fay,  the  glorious 
revivals  of  religion  we  have  witnefled  in  our  own 
happy  land,  and  the  news  of  the  triumphs  of 
grace  which  have  faluted  our  ears  from  foreign 
climes,  are  aufpicious  precurfors  of  the  coming  of 
the  Son  of  Man.  Brethren,  have  our  churches 
ever  feen  any  thing  like  the  prefent  day  fince  the 
16th  century  ? We  have  witnefled  almofl;  another 
pentecoft : happy  feafons  of  refrelhing  from  the 
prefence  of  the  Lord  ! 

Before  we  conclude  this  article,  it  is  of  impor- 
tance for  us  to  diftinguilh  between  the  real  and 
apparent  progrefs  of  the  gofpel. 

The  apoftle  fpeaks  of  fome  “ having  a form 
“ of  godlinefs,  but  denying  the  power  thereof: 
“ from  fuch  turn  away.” 

The  converfion  of  Conftantine  the  great,  in 
the  4th  century,  has  been  thought  an  aufpicious 
event,  efpecially  as  it  delivered  the  church  from 
one  of  the  moft  violent  of  the  heathen  perfec- 
tions.* But  it  has  been  doubted  by  learned  and 

* If  heathen  Rome  has  flain  her  thoufands , papal  Rome 
has  flain  her  tens  of  thoufands.  The  fufferings  of  the  churchy 
during  the  firft  three  centuries,  were  great  under  the  heathen, 
but  were  much  greater  in  the  fubfequent  centuries,  under  the 
papal  emperors.  That  idolatrous  and  apoftate  community 


V. 


20 


good  men,  whether  it  were  any  advantage  to  real 
Chriftianity.  The  number,  affluence,  and  eafe  of 
the  church  were  greatly  increafed,  but  their  fpir- 
ituality  and  piety  did  not  increafe  in  the  fame 
proportion. 

The  converlion  of  Clovis  I.  a pagan  king  of 
France,  in  the  5th  century,  is  fubjecb  to  the  fame 
fufpicion.  On  his  baptifm  at  Rheims,  more  than 
three  thoufand  of  his  fubjecb  followed  his  exam- 
ple. “ But,”  fays  an  elegant  writer,  “ they  con- 
“ tinued  the  fame  in  their  morals  after  their  con- 
<c  verfion  as  before.  When  the  church  opened 
“ her  doors,  and  delivered  up  her  keys,  to  thefe 
“ new  converts,  fhe  gained  nothing  in  compari- 
“ fon  of  what  fhe  loft.  Such  Chriftians,  in  a long 
<c  fucceffion,  converted  Chriftianity  into  fome- 
44  thing  worfe  than  paganifm.  They  elevated  the 
44  church  into  a temporal  kingdom,  and  degraded 
44  temporal  kingdoms  into  fiefs  of  the  church, 

may  truly  be  reprefented  as  “ drunken  with  the  blood  of  the 
faints.”  Nearly  three  millions  of  lives  have  fallen  a facrifice 
to  papal  perfecution.  All  this  “ blood  of  the  faints,  with 
6‘  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  of  Jefus,”  is  required  at  the  hand 
of  ecclefiaflical  eftablifhments.  Perfecution,  in  fome  fliape  or 
other,  is  an  infeparable  concomitant  of  every  fliade  of  “ law 
religion.” 

“ My  kingdom,”  fays  Chrift,  “ is  not  of  this  world.”  His 
fpiritual  empire  is  in  the  hearts  of  his  difciples.  Chrift,  as 
the  head  of  the  church,  is  a fpiritual  monarch.  Our  confi- 
dence  of  the  eftablifliment  and  fupport  of  his  kingdom  is  not 
in  an  arm  of  fieflr,  but  in  the  omnipotence  of  our  King.  “ The 
weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through 
God.”  The  kingdom  of  Chrift  “ boafts  not  of  that  external 
“ pomp  and  grandeur  which  conftitute  the  pride  of  earthly 
“ empires,  but  is  illuftrioufly  diftinguilhcd  by  a glory  peculiar 
“ to  itfelf,  infinitely  fuperior  ; and  never  is  its  beauty  more 
defaced  than  when  men  attempt  to  embellifti  it  by  th$ 
*'  fplendour  of  fecnlar  magnificence.” 


21 


« They  founded  dominion  in  grace,  and  they  ex- 
“ plained  grace  to  be  a love  of  dominion.  By 
“ thele  means  they  completed  that  general  apof- 
“ tafy  known  by  the  name  of  popery  ; which  ren- 
“ tiered  the  reformation  in  the  16th  century 
“ elfential  to  the  interefts  of  all  mankind.” 

The  prelate  of  Rome,  in  order  to  repair  in  fome 
meafure  the  lot's  his  revenue  fuftained  by  the  re- 
formation, fent  a vaft  number  of  million aries  into 
heathen  countries,  wlio  have  with  great  pomp 
announced  the  fuccefs  of  their  millions  in  China, 
Egypt,  AbytTinia,  Ceylon,  Japan,  and  other  places. 
But  thofe  faid  to  be  converted  by  papal  miiliona- 
ries,  do  not  forfake  their  former  principles  and 
practices  : and  proteftant  millionaries  declare  thefe 
Chrijlians  are  greater  enemies  to  true  religion  than 
the  heathen  themfelves.  This  fad  may  teach  us , 
that  the  profejjion  of  Chri/lianity  without  the  power , is 
no  real  accejfion  to  the  caufe. 

The  church  of  Rome  thill  purfue  the  fame  pol- 
icy. A miffionary  fociety  has  lately  been  formed 
in  that  communion,  which  has  fent  out  five  hun- 
dred millionaries.*  O that  thefe  were  all  evan- 
gelical and  experimental  preachers  of  the  word ! 

V.  The  gofpel  contains  fublime  mylleries. 

The  waters  of  the  fanctuary  are  unfathomable. 
Chriftianity  can  never  be  reduced  to  the  ftandard 

* The  condutf  of  the  church  of  Rome,  in  this  inftance,  i,s 
worthy  of  imitation  : and  fo  far  from  being  any  ground  of 
obje&ion  to  the  formation  of  mifllonary  focieties  in  proteftant 
churches,  ought  to  ftimulate  to  greater  exertions.  It  is  wor* 
thy  of  remark,  however,  that  while  the  revenues  of  the  for- 
mer  are  augmented  by  mifllonary  exertions,  it  is  a primary 
object  with  the  latter,  to  fend  the  gofpel  to  the  deJUtute,  and 
fupport  our  mifilonaries  by  an  appropriation  of  property  al- 
t*ady  in  oar  pofleflion. 


22 

of  human  reafon.  The  doctrine  of  the  facred 
Trinity,  the  divinity  and  incarnation  of  Jefus 
Chrift,  the  work  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  in  regenera- 
tion, the  method  of  juftification  by  one  who  him- 
felf  was  made  a curfe,  and  that  we  Ihould  live  by 
one  who  died,  are  myfteries  of  godlinefs ! Thefe 
are  fome  of  the  deep  things  of  God ; the  un- 
fearchable  riches  of  Chrift  : things  that  angels 
defire  to  look  into. 

VI.  It  is  the  prerogative  of  Chrift  to  explain 
the  myfteries  of  the  gofpel.  He  is  the  man  who 
led  our  prophet  through  the  waters  of  the  fanc- 
tuary  : he  taught  his  difciples  : he  guides  them 
into  all  truth  : he  reveals  to  them  the  deep  things 
of  God,  by  his  Spirit. 

VII.  The  gofpel  affords  comfort  and  encour- 
agement to  thirfty  fouls,  and  to  anxious  awakened 
finners.  This  is  that  “ river,  the  ftreams  whereof 
make  glad  the  city  of  God.” 

VIII.  The  gofpel  will  have  its  courfe,  and  final- 
ly fpread  over  the  world. 

Men  may  as  well  attempt  to  arreft  the  courfe 
of  nature,  as  to  ftop  the  progrefs  of  the  gofpel. 
Vain  and  prepofterous  are  all  the  attempts  of  infi- 
dels and  enthufiafts  to  divert  the  courfe  of  this 
river.  Equally  regardlefs  of  the  fubtlety  of  world- 
ly philofophy  and  the  rage  of  free-will  fanaticifm, 
it  rolls  on  with  undeviating  majefty,  infinitely 
fuperior  to  the  Oronoke,  Amazon,  La  Plate,  or 
Mifiifippi,  pure  as  the  river  that  proceeds,  not 
from  the  thrones  of  earthly  defpots,  but  from  the 
throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb. 

Chrift  fpake  with  authority  when  on  earth  : and 
his  gofpel,  attended  with  the  irrefiftible  energy 
of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  is  ftill  triumphant.  “ I will 


“ pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirfly,  and  floods 
“ upon  the  dry  ground.  1 will  pour  my  Spirit 
“ upon  thy  feed,  and  my  bleffing  upon  thy  off- 
“ fpring  ; and  they  Jhall  lpring  up  as  among  the 
“ grafs,  as  willows  by  the  water-courfes.” 

In  the  improvement  of  our  fubjecl,  we  (hall  be 
obliged  to  pafs  over  in  filence  a number  of  ufeful 
reflexions  we  intended  to  make,  and  conclude 
with  a few  obfervations  immediately  connected 
with  the  occafion  on  which  we  are  convened. 

1.  We  are  naturally  led  to  reflect  upon  the 
remarkable  out-pouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
Zion,  for  thefe  ten  or  twelve  years  paft.  Juft 
before  the  commencement  of  the  aftonifhing  tri- 
umphs of  the  gofpel  to  which  we  refer,  infidelity 
had  reared  its  hideous  form,  and  with  a confidence 
equalled  by  nothing  of  the  kind  but  its  impudence, 
was  making  the  moft  rapid  ftrides  in  Europe  and 
America.  Amidft  the  political  earthquakes  which 
convulfed  the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  and  the 
eccleiiaftical  concuflions  which  agitated  the  Roman 
hierarchy,  and  threatened  its  utter  deftruction, 
together  with  all  religious  eftablifhments,  (which 
fhews  the  folly  and  danger  of  the  unnatural  con- 
nexion between  the  church  and  ftate)  the  enemies 
of  Chriftianity  fondly  and  vainly  anticipated  the 
fpeedy  overthrow  of  all  religion.  They  publifhed 
deiftical  books,  formed  focieties,  eftablifhed  cor- 
refpondencies,  and  even  began  to  threaten  the 
followers  of  Immanuel.  Good  God ! thy  chil- 
dren fpread  their  caufe  before  thee  in  the  fanctu- 
ary  ; they  plead,  what  wilt  thou  do  for  thy  name’s 
fake,  if  thou  doft  now  confound  the  hopes  of 
Zion  ; they  plead  the  promifes  to  thy  church,  and 
to  thy  Son  $ they  plead  thy  covenant,  thy  veracity, 


thy  blood  ! Thou  haft  heard,  thou  haft  anfwered 
from  heaven,  thou  haft  fcattered  the  enemy,  thou 
haft  difarranged  all  their  plans,  and  fpread  confu- 
fion  and  dilgrace  through  all  their  ranks.  “ Sing, 
“ O heavens  ; and  be  joyful,  O earth  ; and  break 
“ forth  into  finging,  O mountains  : for  the  Lord 
“ hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have  mercy 
“ upon  his  afflicted.”  While  the  enemy  was 
coming  in  like  a flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
lifted  up  a ftandnrd  againft  him. 

2.  The  miflionary  fpirit  which  has  attended 
this  work,  and  the  formation  of  fo  many  million- 
ary  focieties,  give  the  reformation  a Angular  char- 
acter, and  render  it  peculiarly  impreffive  on  the 
public  mind,  efpecially  of  the  pious. 

Whenever  the  Lord  has  poured  out  his  Spirit, 
and  granted  a feafon  of  refrefhing  to  his  children, 
it  has  always  infpired  them  with  love  to  the  pre- 
cious fouls  of  their  fellow  men,  and  with  ardent 
deftres  for  the  fpread  of  the  gofpel.  When  we, 
dear  brethren,  were  brought  to  tafte  the  precioul- 
nefs  of  Chrift,  was  it  not  the  flrft  and  moft  ardent 
defire  of  our  fouls,  that  others  might  experimen- 
tally know  the  happinefs' there  is  in  religion? 
Hence,  Chriftians  have  aflbeiated,  at  different 
times,  for  miflionary  purpofes  : but  nothing  fo 
general  has  ever  been  known  at  any  former  pe- 
riod. Now  afl'oeiations  are  formed,  not  for  the 
fpread  of  a particular  party  or  fe<ft,  but  of  the 
common  falvation. 

What  but  the  power  of  God  could  have  infpir- 
ed fo  many  evangelical  minifters  and  churches 
with  one  fpirit,  and  have  engaged  them  to  direct 
all  their  energies  to  the  accomplilhment  of  one 
grand  object,  the  fpread  of  the  gofpel  ? This  cir- 


25 


cumftance  alone  is  fufficient  to  convince  every 
candid,  unprejudiced  mind,  that  it  is  the  work  of 
the  Lord. 

3.  The  vifible  fuccefs  which  has  attended  the 
preaching  of  the  word,  and  means  of  inftru£lion* 
among  the  heathen,  is  worthy  of  obfervation,  and 
calls  for  gratitude  and  praife  j and  is  an  encour- 
agement to  greater  exertions. 

The  inhabitants  in  the  new  fettlements,  and 
Indians  in  our  own  country,  are  favourably  dif- 
pofed  towards  the  gofpeL  The  voice  of  an  evan- 
gelical miniftry  is  heard  in  the  wildernefs,  crying, 
“ Prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  ftraight  in 
“ the  del'ert  a highway  for  our  God.”* 

* The  fuccefs  which  has  attended  the  labours  of  that  ven- 
erable, zealous,  and  faithful  fervant  of  Jelus  Chrift,  brother 
Elkanah  Holmes,  in  the  employ  of  the  New  York  Miffionary 
Society,  among  the  Tufcarora  and  other  Indian  nations,  for 
thefe  three  years  pall,  is  deferving  of  refpedtful  and  grateful 
notice.  Some  things  have  occurred  peculiarly  trying,  and  to 
the  eye  of  human  reafon  difeouraging  : but  thofe  very  circum- 
ftancCs,  which  once  wore  a gloomy  afpeft,  have  been  fublervi- 
ent,  under  divine  direftion,  to  the  increafe  of  light  and  convic- 
tion among  the  Indians.  “ He  taketh  the  wife  in  their  own 
“ craftinefs,  and  turneth  the  counfels  of  the  froward  head- 
“ long.”  “ The  wrath  of  man  fha.ll  praife  him,  and  the 
“ remainder  of  wrath  he  will  reftrain.” 

Among  the  Tufcaroras,  fix  or  eight  give  good  evidence 
that  they  experimentally  know  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus : and 
more  than  feven-eighths  of  the  nation  are  decidedly  in  favour 
of  the  gol'pel,  and  warmly  attached  to  their  miffionary.  Their 
external  reformation  is  very  apparent : they  are  defirous  to 
exchange  their  barbarous  cuftoms,  for  the  fciences,  arts, 
maxims,  and  manners  of  civilization  ; and  their  heathen 
fuperftition  for  the  gofpel  of  Jefus  Chrift.  They  ufed  to  be 
intemperate,  but  now  it  is  a very  rare  circumftance  to  fee 
one  of  them  intoxicated  with  fpirituous  liquors. 


O 


26 


The  miffionary  plans  and  exertions  of  our  breth- 
ren on  the  eaftern  continent,  are  ftill  more  exten- 
sive, and  certainly  not  lefs  promifing  than  in  our 
own  country. 

The  Lord’s  day  is  religioufly  obferved  among  them.  They 
give  their  punctual  attendance  on  the  word  : they  behave 
with  great  propriety  on  fuch  occafions,  and  Men  with  tender 
folicitude  to  the  inftrudtions  of  the  gofpel.  They  have  a fchool 
eftablifhed  among  them,  and  two  meeting  houfes  eredted,  one 
in  the  Seneca  and  the  other  in  the  Tufcarora  village,  by  the 
legiflature  of  the  (late  of  New  York.  In  fhort,  things  are 
in  a very  favourable  train  of  operation  among  the  Tufcaroras, 
and  fome  tokens  for  good  among  other  tribes  of  the  north- 
weftern  Indians. 

The  pagan  part  of  the  Stockbridge  Indians  have  recently 
renounced  idolatry,  and  joined  the  congregation  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sargent,  a worthy  miffionary,  in  the 
employment  of  the  focieties  “ for  promoting  Chriftian  knowl- 
“ ledge  ” and  “ for  propagating  the  gofpel  among  the  In- 
“ dians  and  others  in  North  America.” 

The  Macedonian  cry  is  heard  ftill  farther  to  the  weftward. 
The  temporary  excurftons  of  the  miffionaries  fent  by  this  foci- 
ety  and  the  Shaftlbury  Aflociation,  have  been  greatly  bleffed, 
to  the  comfort  of  God’s  children  and  the  awakening  of  care- 
lefs,  perilliing  finners.  In  the  north-weftern  territories  of  the 
ftate  of  New  York,  and  in  fome  parts  of  the  province  of 
Upper  Canada,  appearances  are  very  encouraging.  Within 
thele  three  years  paft,  two  churches  have  been  conftituted  up- 
wards of  an  hundred  miles  beyond  Fort  Niagara. 

The  people  are  uncommonly  anxious  to  enjoy  the  bleffings 
of  a preached  gofpel : they  prefs  the  miffionaries  with  the 
moft  urgent  importunity  to  vifit  them  again,  and  come  and 
bring  their  families,  and  live  among  them.  In  Ihort,  there 
are  hopeful  appearances,  in  almoft  every  diredtion,  of  churches 
arifing,  if  the  neceffary  affiftance  can  be  afforded  to  thofe 
who  are  aftcing  the  way  to  Zion  with  their  faces  thitherward. 

When  we  compare  thefe  appearances  with  the  fcripturcs, 
we  lliall  not  be  thought  enthufiaftic,  if  we  are  led  to  believe, 
that  the  prophet  had  the  very  places  in  view  where  our  mif- 
lionaries  have  travelled,  when  he  exclaimed,  “ The  wildcmefs. 


27 


The  ifles  of  the  fouth  fea  wait  for  thy  law. 
India  is  enriched  with  the  treafure  of  the  gofpel ; 
and  Ethiopia  llretches  out  her  hand  unto  God. 
44  And  I law,  and,  behold,  a white  horfe  ; and  he 
44  that  fat  on  him  had  a bow ; and  a crown  was 
44  given  unto  him  : and  he  went  forth  conquer- 
44  ing,  and  to  conquer.” 

4.  The  converlion  of  a number  of  the  Jews,  is 
an  aufpicious  omen.  O when  {hall  the  pofterity 
of  Abraham  walk  in  the  Heps  of  the  father  of  the 
faithful.  A number  have  already  become  Ifrachtes 
indeed. 

The  London  Millionary  Society  have  directed 
their  efforts  towards  this  devoted  and  long  for- 
faken  people.  Under  the  patronage  of  this  noble 
inftitution,  Mr.  Chriftian  Frederick  Frey,  whom 
we  hail  as  a brother  in  Chrift,  and  fervant  of  the 
moll  high  God,  has  commenced  his  million  ary 
labours  among  the  Jews. 

At  firft  he  was  attended  by  hundreds  of  his 
brethren  and  kindred  according  to  the  flefh.  The 
young  people  were  candidly  difpofed  to  hear 
him  ; but  the  old  people  were  fo  enraged,  and 
difeovered  fo  much  of  the  fpirit  of  their  fathers 
toward  the  Saviour,  crying,  44  Away  with  him, 
44  away  with  him,”  that,  if  they  had  had  it  iu 
their  power,  brother  Frey  would  have  {hared  the 

' ■ • * » 

“ and  the  folitary  place  (hall  be  glad  for  them ; and  the  def- 

“ ert  lhall  rejoice,  and  blofTom  as  the  rofe.” 

It  is  a remarkable  circumftance,  that  our  mifllonaries,  who 
have  travelled  into  thofe  infant  fettlements,  publifhing  the 
glad  tidings  of  falvation  to  the  deftitute  inhabitants,  have 
been  greatly  bleffed  in  their  labours,  and  favoured  with  un- 
common manifeftations  of  the  divine  prefence.  “ Lo,  I ant 
“ with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.” 


28 


lame  fate  as  his  Mafter  did  among  them — cruci- 
fixion ! His  fituation  became  fo  perilous,  that  he 
was  obliged  to  be  attended  to  his  place  of  worfhip 
by  a guard.  At  length  a decree  was  palled  in  all 
the  fynagogues  in  London,  that  no  Jew  Ihould 
infult  his  perfon  or  attend  on  his  miniftry.  The 
rich,  who  violated  this  decree,  expofed  themfelves 
to  a line  of  one  hundred  pounds  ; and  the  poor, 
to  excommunication.  This  rendered  his  fituation 
fafe,  but  his  meetings  were  thinly  attended  ; a 
few,  however,  regularly  give  their  attendance, 
and  feem  to  be  inquiring,  Is  Jefus  of  Nazareth  the 
true  Meffiah  ? 

Now  that  remarkable  prophecy  in  Zechariafi 
begins  to  be  fulfilled  ; “ I will  pour  upon  the 
“ houfe  of  David,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of 
“ Jerufalem,  the  fpirit  of  grace  and  of  fupplica- 
<c  tions  ; and  they  {hall  look  upon  me  whom  they 
“ have  pierced,  and  they  (hall  mourn  for  him,  as 

one  mourneth  for  his  only  fon,  and  lhall  be  in 
« bitternefs  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bitternefs 
“ for  his  firft-born.”  The  Jews  fhall  be  brought 
in  with  the  fulnels  of  the  Gentiles. 

5.  When  the  Lord  is  about  to  accomplilh  any 
great  event,  he  raifes  up  and  qualifies  fuitable  in- 
ftruments  for  the  work.  It  is  with  pleafure  we 
fee  fo  many  of  our  young  brethren  ftirred  up  to 
devote  themfelves  to  the  miniftry.  The  harveft 
is  great,  but  labourers  are  comparatively  few ; 
pray  ye,  therefore,  the  Lord  of  the  harveft,  that 
he  would  thruft  forth  more  labourers  into  his 
harveft. 

6.  The  tranflation  of  the  Bible  into  fo  many  of 
the  oriental  languages,  and  arrangements  that  arj 


29 


making  to  tranflate  it  into  others,  and  the  proha- 
hility  that  it  will  loon  be  tranflatcd  into  all  the 
languages  in  the  world,  will  no  doubt  greatly  con- 
tribute to  the  fpread  of  the  gofpel.  “ Let  men  but 
“ read  and  underftand  the  fcriptures,  and  they 
“ cannot  but  be  Chriftians,”  Exert  yourfelves, 
brethren,  to  promote  the  circulation  of  this  belt 
. of  books,  the  book  of  books.* 

7.  Brethren,  be  not  unmindful  of  the  hand  of 
the  Lord,  in  raifing  up  fo  many  friends  to  fupport, 
by  liberal  contributions  of  their  worldly  fubftance, 
the  inflitutions,  plans,  and  important  undertak- 
ings, which  have  been  deviled  and  executed  by 
JVliflionary  Societies.  The  lilver  and  the  gold  are 
(the  Lord’s.  Surely  it  muft  be  of  the  Lord,  that 
the  people  offer  after  this  fort.  Not  only  the  rich 
and  opulent,  but  Chriftians  in  every  grade  of  fo- 
ciety,  are  contriving  ways  and  means  to  promote 
the  glorious  caufe,  by  their  prayers,  and  to  honour 
the  Lord  with  their  fubftance. 

8.  The  tottering  condition  of  the  Roman  hie- 
rarchy, and  all  ecclefiaftical  eftablifliments  by  civil 
law,  the  flames  of  revolution  which  have  burft 
forth  in  fome  parts  of  the  Ottoman  empire,  are 
precurfors  of  the  deftruction  of  the  eaftern  and 
weftern  antichrift  ; and  announce  the  approach  of 
the  Son  of  God,  to  fet  up  that  kingdom  which  is 
not  of  this  world. 

* The  author  would  take  the  liberty  to  fuggeft  the  utility 
of  forming  a fociety  in  this  country,  fimilar  to  “ The  Britifls 
“ and  Foreign  Bible  Society  fuch  an  inftitution  might  be 
attended  with  incalculable  advantage  to  the  fouls  of  men, 
and  contribute  much  to  the  profperity  of  Zion.  The  Bible 
is  a book,  to  promote  the  circulation  of  which,  Chriftians  of 
all  denominations  can  mod  heartily  unite. 


30 


Chriftians,  enter  into  your  chambers,  until  the 
indignation  be  overpaft.  Happy  Ihould  we  be 
could  we  allure  you,  that  the  pur  poles  of  God 
were  to  be  accomplilhed  without  the  pouring  out 
of  the  vials  of  his  wrath  upon  the  nations  of  the 
earth.  But  the  oppofition  of  the  enemy  we  ex- 
pect will  make  necelfary  the  interpofition  of  Heav- 
en by  the  molt  awful  and  diltrelling  judgments. 
“ Violent  difcafes  require  violent  remedies.”  But 
let  no  Chriltian  Hand  afar  off  for  fear  of  her  tor- 
ment, and  weep  and  lament  for  her,  faying,  “ Alas, 
“ alas  ! that  great  city  Babylon,  that  mighty  city ! 
“ for  in  one  hour  is  thy  judgment  come.”  But 
rather  “ rejoice  over  her,  thou  heaven,  and  ye  ho- 
“ ly  apoltles  and  prophets  j for  God  hath  avenged 
“ you  on  her.” 

9.  We  have  feen  the  good  effects  of  miflionary 
affociations  upon  our  own  churches.  By  this  mean 
our  Chriltian  acquaintance  has  been  greatly  en- 
larged. Connexions  have  been  formed  and  cor- 
refpondences  eltablilhed  among  many  of  the  difei- 
ples  of  Jefus,  who,  ten  years  ago,  had  never  heard 
of  each  other.  Our  anniverfary  feltivals  are  pre- 
cious feafons.  When  we  hear  of  the  triumphs  of 
the  gofpel  in  diftant  lands,  our  fouls  are  refrefhed, 
our  faith  is  ftrengthened,  our  hope  confirmed,  our 
love  inflamed,  and  our  devotions  animated. 

10.  It  is  worthy  of  obfervation  that  the  out- 
pouring of  a miflionary  fpirit  upon  Zion,  and  the 
late  aftonilhing  revivals  of  religion,  and  exertions 
that  are  made  both  in  Europe  and  America  to 
fpread  the  gofpel  among  the  heathen,  are  almoft 
wholly  confined  to  thole  denominations  of  Chrif- 
tians, who  hold  the  do&rine  of  fovereign  diftin- 
guilhing  grace. 


31 


This  providence  feems  to  intimate,  that  thefe 
are  the  doctrines  which  will  finally  prevail  and  tri- 
umph until  theybecome  univerfal  in  millennial  day. 
Thefe  are  the  do&rines  which  uniformly  tend  to 
humble  the  creature,  exalt  the  Saviour,  and  pro- 
mote holinefs  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of  all  who  feel 
their  influence  ; which  bring  glory  to  God,  and 
honour  his  grace  ; and  upon  which  he  has  been 
pleafed  to  put  a peculiar  honour  in  every  period 
of  the  church. 

O ye  minifters  of  the  everlafting  gofpel,  ye  her- 
alds of  falvation,  fuflcr  a “junior  brother”  to  ex- 
hort you,  “ earneftly  to  contend  for  the  faith 
“ which  was  once  delivered  to  the  faints.”  The 
glory  of  God,  the  love  of  Chrift,  the  worth  of 
fouls,  and  the  high  refponflbility  attached  to  the 
iacred  work,  animate  our  zeal,  and  conftrain  us 
to  be  faithful.  We  preach  and  you  hear  for  eter- 
nity ! 

Chriftians  of  every  defcription  in  this  afTembly, 
we  exhort  you  to  ftand  faft  in  the  faith,  and  care- 
fully maintain  good  works.  Let  your  converfa- 
tion  be  in  heaven  ; from  whence  we  look  for  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Walk  worthy 
of  the  Lord,  unto  all  pleafing.  It  is  in  vain  for 
your  minifters  to  contend  for  the  glorious  doc- 
trine of  grace,  unlefs  profefTors  demonftrate  to 
the  world,  by  the  holinefs  of  their  lives,  and  the 
unblamablenefs  of  their  converfation,  that  thefe 
doctrines  teach  us  to  deny  ungodlinefs  and  every 
worldly  lull,  and  to  live  foberly,  and  righteoufly, 
and  godly,  in  this  prefent  world.  We  live,  if  ye 
ftand  faft  in  the  Lord. 

Brethren,  do  we  fufficiently  realize,  that  we 
are  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  coming  of  the 


Lord  ? And,  although  we  may  not  live  to  fee  the 
temple  rife  in  all  its  fplendour,  like  David  let  us 
diligently  collect  and  prepare  the  materials  for  the 
heavenly  building  : remember  thefe  were  of  great 
ufe  to  Solomon*  Our  labours  may  be  of  incalcu- 
lable advantage  to  pofterity. 

Under  former  dilpenfations,  the  Lord  raifed  up 
certain  characters  to  prepare  the  way  of  his  com- 
ing. His  firft  advent  was  announced  by  the  voice 
of  one  crying  in  the  wildernefs.  But  the  church 
as  a body  is  to  be  the  harbinger  of  his  fecond 
coming.  Yes,  brethren,  by  our  prayers,  by  our 
tears,  by  our  lives,  and  by  our  labours,  we  are  to 
“ prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord,”  and  to  “ maker 
“ ftraight  in  the  defert  a highway  for  our  God.” 

When  Jefus  was  about  to  celebrate  his  laft  paff- 
over  and  inflitute  the  holy  fupper,  he  fent  his  dif* 
ciples  before  him,  who  made  ready  for  his  coming. 
The  virgins  all  trimmed  their  lamps,  and  went 
forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom.  The  church  as  a 
body  will  rejoice  in  the  approach  of  redemption, 
and  cry,  “ Hofanna,  bleffed  is  he  that  cometh  in 
“ the  name  of  the  Lord.”'  Some  chara&ers  will 
unqueftionably  be  much  more  diftinguifhed  than 
others,  but  this  will  be  according  to  the  meafure 
of  the  gift  of  grace  given  us  in  Chrift,  which  will 
appear  in  our  different  talents,  zeal,  and  piety. 

Brethren  of  the  fociety,  on  a review  of  this  fub- 
je<5f,  in  connexion  with  fo  many  happy  circum- 
ftances  attending  the  celebration  of  this  anniver- 
fary,and  the  pleating  intelligence  we  have  received 
of  the  progrefs  of  the  gofpel  in  every  quarter  ot 
the  globe,  have  we  not  reafon  to  be  encouraged 
in  our  mifiionary  labours  ? Let  the  fuccefs  which 


33 


has  hitherto  attended  our  plans,  animate  us  to 
greater  exertions.  Diligently  perfevere  in  the 
ufe  of  thofe  means  which  appear  to  be  fo  evident- 
ly owned  and  blefl'ed  by  Heaven,  for  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom  in  the  world. 
And  while  we  fervently  pray  that  Zion  may  be 
made  an  eternal  excellency,  and  the  joy  of  many 
generations,  let  us  al'pire,  with  meeknefs  and  hu- 
mility, to  the  honour  and  happinefs  of  being 
workers  together  with  God  ; knowing  that  our 
labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

If  there  be  any  in  this  afi'embly  who  are  thirft- 
ing  for  the  waters  of  life,  let  me  fay  to  you — 
Salvation  flows  in  abundance  from  the  Altar  ; 
a voice  from  Calvary  addrefles  you  ; the  blood 
and  water  from  Immanuel’s  fide  fpeak — Come 
unto  me  and  drink. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  there*  be  any  who  care 
for  none  of  thefe  things,  we  folcmnly  warn  you  to 
prepare  to  meet  your  God.  Sinners  ! the  progrefs 
of  the  gofpel  is  an  alarming  confideration  to  you  ! 
Every  reformation  you  hear  of,  harrows  up  your 
conl'ciences,  and  fills  your  minds  with  horror ! 
The  return  of  the  waters  of  the  red  fea  was  not 
more  fatal  to  the  hoft  of  Pharaoh,  nor  the  deluge 
more  awful  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  old  world, 
than  the  triumph  of  the  gofpel  is  to  you  ! While 
the  believer  with  holy  enthufiafm  cries,  “ Come, 
« Lord  Jefus,  come  quickly  you  in  amazement 
will  call  “ to  the  mountains  and  rocks,  faying.  Fall 
“ on  us,  and  hide  us  from  the  face  of  him  that  fit* 
« teth  on  the  throne,  and  from  the  wrath  of  the 

« Lamb.” “ Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time  ; 

“ behold,  now  is  the  day  of  falvation.” 

£ 


34 


While  we  rejoice  in  the  profperity  of  Zion,  one 
alarming  reflection  irrefiftibly  rufhes  into  the 
mind.  It  is  not  whether  Jefus  Chrift  will  have  a 
church  in  the  world  ; this  is  certain  ; “ Thy  people 
“ Jh all  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power  but 
whether  God  is  not  about,  in  his  holy  providence, 
to  remove  our  candleftick  out  of  its  place  ? Do 
we  hear  of  the  converfion  of  the  heathen  ? Who 
can  tell  but  the  patience  and  long-fuffering  of  God 
toward  us  are  exhaufted,  and  he  is  about  to  tranf- 
fer  a gofpel  miniftry  and  all  our  precious  religious 
privileges,  to  nations  who  will  make  a better 
improvement  of  them,  and  render  him  the  fruit 
of  his  vineyard  in  its  feafon  ? We  leave  this  fol- 
emn  thought  to  your  meditation. 

It  is  incumbent  on  the  fpeaker  in  the  clofe  of 
this  difcourfe  to  mention,  that  the  collection  now 
to  be  taken  is  for  the  ufe  of  the  Miflionary  Society, 
In  order  to  excite  you  to  this  duty,  we  need  not 
expatiate  on  the  bleflings  of  a gofpel  miniftry ; 
nor  caufe  the  fympathetic  tear  to  gulh  from  your 
eyes  by  detailing  the  wretchednefs  of  thofe  who 
are  perilhing  for  lack  of  knowledge  ; nor  refer 
you  to  the  example  of  primitive  or  modern  Chrif- 
tians.  We  Ihall  only  point  you  to  the  example 
of  one  who  has  great  influence  in  this  afiembly  ! 
Behold  the  man  ! He  came  not  to  be  miniftered 
unto,  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his  life  a ran- 
fom  for  many.  Brethren  ! “ ye  know  the  grace 
“ of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  that  though  he  was 
fc  rich,  yet  for  your  fakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye 
‘‘  through  his  poverty  might  be  rich.”  Amen. 


I I 


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